DISABILITY ISSUES
Vol. 19 No. 4

Book Shelf

The following are some of the books and publications which have come to the Information Center’s attention and which we feel may be useful and informative to the reader.

Ahead of His Time

Selected speeches of Gunnar Dybwad, the outstanding trail blazer in the field of mental retardation and long‑time friend of the Information Center, are available in a book published this year by the American Association of Mental Retardation.

These speeches give a view into the man and his creative philosophy which has enriched the lives of millions during his career of over six decades. The book reveals the dramatic changes that have occurred over time in the way our society has perceived and dealt with people with disabilities.

While Ahead of His Time concentrates on mental retardation, Gunnar Dybwad has always concerned himself with the rights and opportunities of all people living with disability and is one of the towering figures in the history of disability rights.

Any persons who consider themselves to be disability advocates should be interested in the insights and perspective contained in this book.

Ahead of His Time is available for $34.95 from the AAMR Publications Center, P.O. Box 25, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701, or you can order by phone at (301) 206‑9789.

Access Expressed! Massachusetts:   

A Cultural Resource Directory

VSA arts of Massachusetts (previously known as Very Special Arts) has published a new edition of the Access Expressed! Massachusetts, A Cultural Resource Directory. The Directory contains extensive information about accessible arts venues, activities, and programs throughout Massachusetts drawn from exhaustive surveys conducted by this disability organization.

Categories include: Visual Arts Facilities and Museums; Performing Arts Centers and Theaters; Historical, Educational and Cultural Sites, Zoos; Sports, Entertainment Complexes and Parks; Hotels; Movie Theaters; Presenting Organizations; and Resources.

The Directory is very useful for the individual planning social activities, family outings, or for the organization wishing to assure that all members are able to participate and enjoy group activities.

We note with interest that VSA arts has changed it’s name, this year, to reflect the advancement made by members of the disability community since the organization’s inception. They say the letters VSA now stand for the Vision of an inclusive community, Strength is shared resources, and Artistic expression that unites us all.

The Directory is available from VSA arts Massachusetts, China Trade Center, 2 Boylston Street, Boson, MA 02116. By phone at (617) 350‑7713 (v), (617) 482‑4298 (fax), or (617) 350‑6836 (tty). Individual copies are available for $3.30 each (plus $1.70 postage and handling) while 10 or more copies can be ordered for $1.00 plus postage and handling.

That All May Worship

Now in its fifth printing, That All May Worship, An Interfaith Welcome To People With Disabilities is a publication of the National Organization on Disability addressing the removal of architectural, attitudinal, and communication difficulties that alienate people with disabilities from communities of worship in America.

It is directed to those without disability to help them understand the concerns of those with disability, identify barriers, and create a warm and welcoming environment. It is interfaith in scope and concerns people with all types of disabilities. While the book is intended for congregations, its message of understanding and inclusion can be instructive to businesses, clubs, schools, and many other organizations. It is well constructed by people who know what they are talking about and is an informative resource for anyone who cares about people with disability.

That All May Worship is available for $10.00 per copy from the National Organization on Disability, Religion and Disability Program, 910 16th Street, N. W. Suite 600, Washington, DC 20006. Telephone: (202) 293‑5960 (v), (202) 293‑ 5968 (tty) or on the web at noc.org. Discounts are available for order of 10 or more copies.